Singing For the Brain Group Support Volunteer

Singing for the Brain is a structured group session, designed around the principles of music therapy and singing, for people with dementia, who may attend alone or with a carer. These uplifting sessions offer the people attending an enjoyable activity, as well as the chance to socialise with other people affected by dementia.

Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia charity. We campaign for change, fund research to find a cure and support people living with dementia today.

Why we need you: You'll play a key role in enabling people living with dementia to engage in meaningful activities within a group setting and to socialise with others in a welcoming, relaxed and supportive environment.

What you’ll be doing:

• Helping to set up the room and tidying away at the end of the group.

• Preparing and distributing refreshments.

• Welcoming and talking to people living with dementia.

• Assisting people living with dementia to engage in activities.

• This role doesn’t involve providing personal care or giving advice or guidance.

What you can expect from us:

• We will make you feel welcome, included and respected.

• You will receive one-to-one or group based support.

• You’ll have a role manager who will support you throughout your journey with us.

• Out of pocket expenses (e.g. travel) agreed before you start in line with our policy.

• We’ll keep you up to date with relevant policies and procedures that apply to your role.

• You’ll have access to learning, development and engagement opportunities for volunteers.

What we need from you: To ensure the safety and security of people with dementia we ask for:

• Two references and proof of identity.

• Essential learning to complete before starting your role will take about two and a half days.

• To put the role into practice most effectively and to ensure a consistent service for people living with dementia this role is recommended to continue for at least 3 months.

• You will need to complete an enhanced without barred list DBS or Access NI check, in line with the legal requirements. A criminal record will not necessarily stop you being able to carry out this role.

About the organisation

Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia charity. At Alzheimer’s Society we’re working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives. We do this by giving help to those living with dementia today, and providing hope for the future
With your help we can give vital support to those who need it most, hold decision-makers to account, and fund groundbreaking research to transform the future for everyone living with dementia.

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Skills

• Please note: this role requires some ability to lift heavy objects like chairs and tables, so some physical strength and ability is necessary
• You have an interest in developing meaningful relationships and making a real difference.
•  You want to enable people with dementia to find their voice through music in an incredibly rewarding role.
• You are fun and enthusiastic.
• You have the ability to listen and display compassion
• Experience of dementia is not essential, nor is the ability to sing!
• Ability to complete some online  E learning or work books for training.